Saladworks' Strategic Development Efforts Encourage Brand Growth and Strong Customer Loyalty

When entrepreneurs make the decision to break into the franchising industry, they look to a brand’s growth potential to determine whether or not they can envision a successful future there. A brand’s model, commitment to innovation and network of local business owners ultimately determine whether or not a prospective franchisee is willing to make a significant financial investment. Right now, one of the most attractive businesses in the industry with momentum is Saladworks.

The Pennsylvania-based brand is currently seeing impressive growth all over the country. But there’s one region that stands out as a success story: the east coast. Saladworks is rapidly expanding in Pittsburgh, New York, Northern New Jersey, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

“These areas are all perfect markets for our brand. They’re an extension of our core base, and they’re populated with sophisticated consumers who understand quality food,” said David Wheeler, Saladworks’ vice president of franchise development. “As more local franchisees move into these target areas and introduce the Saladworks concept to new communities, we’re confident that we’ll continue to see impressive growth.”

Brand concept and growth

Founded in 1986, Saladworks is known for its unique restaurant concept that offers customers the ability to design their own entrée-sized salads. The brand offers more than 60 fresh, quality ingredients that are chopped in-house every day. Customers are also able to order from a menu of 12 “Signature Salads” along with made-to-order soups and sandwiches.

But Saladworks’ success goes beyond its delicious products. The brand’s strategic growth technique ensures that when new franchises open their doors, they see success. Instead of targeting random cities for development, Saladworks sets up a home base and then grows outward in concentric circles to new locations.

“Our standards for both site and franchisee selection are extremely high in order to keep Saladworks moving in the right direction. By building off of a strong home base in our expansion efforts, we know more consumers in the area will recognize the brand and understand that Saladworks sells high quality salads, soups and sandwiches,” Wheeler said.

Franchisee success stories

One franchisee that’s seen this strong customer loyalty at work is Nish Patel. Patel currently owns three different Saladworks units in Pennsylvania, but he says that his stores’ current performance feels like a fresh start.

“I’ve seen double digit growth across the board this year. I thought that it would level off at some point, but it’s been climbing at a consistent rate,” said Patel. “It’s such an exciting time to be a Saladworks franchisee. Between the brand’s solid menu and new store design, it’s never been easier to attract new regular customers.”

Saladworks is currently in the process of making positive changes across its entire franchise system. The largest fresh-tossed salad franchise is remodeling its locations with a new look and feel that includes free Wi-Fi and power stations. The new layout creates a more tech friendly environment, which ultimately attracts new millennial customers.

These changes—along with the rest of Saladworks’ proven model—will be on display at the upcoming International Franchise Expo (IFE) in New York. Between June 16 and 18, prospective franchisees will be able to explore what a successful future with Saladworks looks like.

“We’re thrilled to be exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo,” said Wheeler. “We can’t wait to connect with the next wave of entrepreneurs who will propel Saladworks’ growth in the years to come.”